“Ten years after we came into existence and our services are needed more than ever.”

The words of Liz Carter, Charity Manager of The Water Lily Project (WLP).

The charity supports and empowers vulnerable women in Christchurch and surrounding areas, helping them back to independent living.

It was founded in 2011 by a group of local Christians.

They realised there was a need to help women affected by either domestic violence and abuse, addiction, sex trade, financial difficulty or homelessness.

The number of women supported has risen dramatically in the last four years.

From 18 women – and 89 sessions – in the year to March 31, 2018, to 128 and 1,589 sessions in the 12 months to March 31 this year.

The past year has been the busiest in the charity’s decade-long history.

In percentage terms the number of women supported is up 80 per cent year-on-year while sessions have increased by 240 per cent.

Liz, who initially joined WLP as a volunteer for six months in 2017 before being appointed Project Manager, said: “The pandemic has had a big effect with an increase in domestic abuse.

“We see some very distressing cases, especially when they involve children.

“Our role is not crisis intervention.

“We are the long journey providing free support for a year.

“Our objective is to help lead women back into independent living.”

WLP predominately supports vulnerable women in crisis.

It could be temporary such as an acrimonious divorce, bereavement or illness.

Or something more long term – mental health issues, self-harming, domestic violence and abuse, addiction or financial difficulties.

The increase in cases has led to a rise in the number of staff.

From three before the first lockdown to eight, including four support workers. All are part-time.

The charity is especially grateful for the emergency funding received, allowing it to expand the team to cope with the increased demand.

Christchurch Magdalen Trust provided bursary funding while financial support has also come from:

• The Fore RAFT Fund
• Talbot Village Trust
• Dorset Coronavirus Community Fund
• CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund
• Covid-19 Frontline Women’s Fund (Lottery Community Fund and Smallwood Trust)
• Good Things Foundation

WLP uses the image of the water lily because it sits on strong leaves that support the flower.

The flower might not look much when it’s closed.

But when provided with a good and healthy environment and space, it opens up and displays its beauty.

Liz said: “Water lilies need good conditions in which to flourish and reach their full potential.

“This is what we hope to provide for the women who come to the Water Lily Project.”

The idea for the charity was first identified by Lynn Chisadza.

Originally from Zimbabwe, but living in Christchurch at the time, she called a meeting for anyone interested in her vision.

It led to a small team of Christians meeting with women locally in cafes in Christchurch.

Soon after Lynn Coombs, Tim Atkins, Sue Daly and Colin Bennett became Trustees.

Colin, pictured left, who is Chair, and Sue remain as Trustees to this day.

The charity has operated out of the Water Lily Café (formerly Bailey’s Café) in Barrack Road, Christchurch, since 2014.

The community café, run by volunteers and overseen by Café Volunteer Supervisor, Anne-Marit Taylor, is open from 10am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday.

An important revenue stream for WLP, it offers home-made cakes and a variety of light dishes as well as a two-course meal for £7.

The Water Lily Café also has a Pay It Forward scheme where a £5 donation provides a homeless person with a hot meal.

A marble is put in a jar so the café knows how many meals can be given out.

Two social media campaigns are planned for the charity’s tenth anniversary:

• #tin10 – Tin is the metal for a ten-year anniversary. Beneficiaries are being asked to decorate old tin cans. These can then be distributed to local businesses or collected from the café with the aim that people will fill them with 10p coins and return as a donation.
• 10:10 Water Lily Project Pledge – Ten Dorset businesses are urged to support the charity with a donation/financial pledge of £100 each to sponsor ten beneficiaries. £1,000 will provide 100 hours of 1:1 support for women.

Any business or individual interested in either campaign should email marketing@waterlilyproject.org.uk

Feedback from women helped by WLP includes:

• “I just want to say a massive thanks to you. You’ve taken so much time to help and support me and no judgements.”
• “The last few weeks have been amazing for me. To be loved, listened to and being able to ask for advice and share my problem.”
• “Sending lots of love and gratitude for all you and WLP have done for me. God is indeed good, merciful and sooo faithful!”

Liz, a committed Christian, said: “All our staff and volunteers are absolutely amazing.

“This is an immensely rewarding role.

“We make a real, and positive, difference to so many women who need our services in a time of crisis.”

• For more information on The Water Lily Project including volunteering or making a donation, please visit waterlilyproject.org.uk.